Euthanasia continued....
ALTERNATIVES
From reports, requests for euthanasia come from patients
whose symptom-control has been less than adequate. Where control is established
the fear of unbearable pain is diminished, and it is significant that in the
Netherlands, where euthanasia is practised, here were no Hospices up to 1992.
A report of the Health Council on Palliative Care stated
that 54% of cancer patients suffered unnecessary pain because of the inadequate
skills in that area. In 1992 there were already 183 Hospices established in the
U.K. Palliative (pain control) care is a part of the programme and courses are
available. Funds also are necessary and should be forthcoming to enable more
research in this area.
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